Tuesday, February 28, 2012

7 Extraordinary Rivers Around the World

Irrigating crops, producing electricity, acting as roadways for trade and travel, and even offering a sacred place for worship, rivers are the epicenter around which much of humanity lives and thrives. From the Nile in Africa, which played a vital role in the development of the Western world, to the Ganges in India, considered by Hindus to be the holiest of all rivers, here are 7 of the most important natural waterways on the planet.


Amazon, South America
Amazon river Photo: Zubin Shroff/Getty Images

Beginning in Brazil and traveling through Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Venezuela before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean, the Amazon is perhaps the most record-breaking river in the world. It is the largest (2.7 million sq. miles), the widest (202 miles wide at its mouth; 6.8 miles wide along its path) and among the longest (4,000 miles) and deepest (300 feet in some spots). It is also called the "Ocean River" because it boasts the greatest total discharge of all rivers—between 9 million and 32 million gallons per second—which is 20 percent of the world's freshwater ocean discharge.

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5 Most Devastating Underwater Volcanoes

Underwater volcanoes also known as  Submarine volcanoes are found under ocean and can generally eject into air after eruption. Underwater volcanoes are formed when molten rocks erupts underwater fissures of planet earth. They are usually found near the areas of tectonic plate movement. Many underwater volcanoes have caused chaos by eruption or earthquake by destroying various places nearby leaving many homeless.

1. Coast of Tonga

Hunga Tonga is located about 30km from Falcon Island. Volcano lies about 65 miles above a very seismic zone. Many underwater volcano have been erupted here first ever volcano erupted here was in 1912 This volcano was erupted on march 18, 2009 caused due to the melting of two tectonic plates using excessive amount of heat and pressure resulting in the big eruption. Volcano extends from New Zealand to north-east to Fiji.
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10 Tallest Mountains In The Solar System

Rising sharply from a narrow summit area, these majestic mountains stand prominently above their surroundings. However, many amongst us have yet to learn the difference between the tallest and the highest mountains. Although, it sounds the same and we often confuse the two but there is a difference. The tallest mountains have the measures from the base of the mountain to its peak, whereas the highest mountains have the measures from the sea level to the peak. See the difference?
Looking our planet, into the solar system there are many mountains, peaks and ridges way taller than the mountains on the planet Earth. These extraterrestrial mountains may be a result of crater impact, high volcanic activity etc., none of which we would want happening in our home planet.

10. Makalu

The fifth highest mountain in the world above sea level at an altitude of 8,481 m above sea level and located at the Nepal-China border. The Makalu has a unique shape of a four sided pyramid and lies only 19 km southeast of Mount Everest. The first attempts to climb the mountain began in 1954. However, the first successful ascent of the summit was made in 1955 during a French expedition by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy.
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10 Weirdest Guinness World Records

What is wrong with these people? That’s probably the first thing that comes to a decent mind. But these people pull these wacky and weird stunts, they have a reason and it’s none other than the Guinness World Records that makes them go an extra mile in their weirdness.

10. The Loudest Burp

Now this is disgusting, makes me want to throw up. Paul Hunn from Great Britain performed the loudest burp with an intensity 118.1 decibels. The intensity of the burp can be compared to, let’s say a pneumatic drill or an airplane taking off. Let’s hope no one else tries to break this record as for Paul himself, he can’t indulge whenever he fancies. The loudest burps occur only when Mr. Hunn eats spicy food and sucks in a lot of air. For something gross as this, it actually requires a lot of hard work for just a burp.
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10 Craziest Lawsuits Of All Times

No job can be as boring as working for an insurance company, with all their claims, dry stats, boring facts to remember and then all topped with piles of paperwork. However, there are sometimes that these companies face a hilarious situation, sometimes the situation might look funny but the insurance guys won’t think so.
The craziest of claims filed by these people, the companies might have to work very hard to fill in the gaps so as not to give the most insane people a chance to make a few extra cash with their own stupidity and obnoxious stunts.

10. Tripping over your own toddler

toddler running
Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas actually won this case and was awarded $80,000 by the jury, which of course was comprised of her peers and friends, for tripping over a toddler and breaking her ankle. The toddler was running inside a furniture store. The store owners were baffled when the final verdict was read out. That is understandable so, for the running toddler was Robertson’s own son. Maybe the store should now place a rack where customers must deposit their little ones.
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If You Drink and Drive…

Ok, I can understand that they can scratch car by accident, even crash them at the pole or something, but some of these crashes are absolutely ridiculous… I mean, look at those, how the hell did that even happen?
If You Drink and Drive...
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Beautiful Cave Crystals

I am sure that you have seen so many ice sculptures by now, and this may not look like an impressive sight to you. But if I were to tell you that this is all a hand work of our dear mother nature I am sure that I could get one smile form you. This is a work of so many years of sedimentation and the Mother Nature really had her hands full of work. This looks really wonderful. There is nothing left for us to do but to admire to this master piece!
Beautiful Cave Crystals
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Monday, February 27, 2012

Gerd Ludwig's "Long Shadow of Chernobyl" project


Internationally-renowned photojournalist Gerd Ludwig has spent years documenting the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. In 1986, errors at the plant in Ukraine led to an explosion that ultimately caused over a quarter of a million people to permanently evacuate their homes to escape the radiation and radioactive fallout. Over the course of several trips to the site and the region for National Geographic Magazine in 1993, 2005, and 2011, Ludwig has amassed a documentary record of a people and a place irreparably altered by a tragic accident. His 2011 trip was partially funded by a Kickstarter campaign. Now Ludwig has released an iPad app with over 150 photographs, video, and interactive panoramas. Gathered here is a small selection of the work Ludwig has produced over the years of the still-unfolding tragedy. -- Lane Turner (23 photos total)

On April 26, 1986, operators in this control room of reactor No. 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant committed a fatal series of errors during a safety test, triggering a reactor meltdown that resulted in the world's largest nuclear accident to date. Today, the control room sits abandoned and deadly radioactive. Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Ukraine, 2005 (Gerd Ludwig/INSTITUTE)
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Rosary Church, Shettihalli - As it submerges and emergeS

If you are thinking how these two totally unrelated acts and timelines could cause such awe and amazement to the offbeat traveler, you are just about to know that!
The thing is, the church was built on the banks of Hemavathi River near Hassan where an erstwhile village existed long ago. When the government decided the flowing river water had to be put to better use, Gorur dam was built which floods the Hemavathi Reservoir. As with any dam, the collateral damage was relocation of the villages upstream. This village was no different and the villagers were relocated to the nearby villages but the church was left behind. It stood still standing the test of time and the wrath of monsoons. It has been more than 200 years since it was built and more than 25 years since the dam waters started flooding and submerging the church yet these walls bear the brunt with such understated charm and grit that it is hard not to let your jaw drop at the first glimpse.

Rosary Church

Every year as the monsoons fill up the reservoir, the church retires to the submerged world and as the water level recedes it emerges in all its glory. The ruins have a mysterious charm to them. The church as such is relatively huge with nothing but the skeleton of the structure in place. The columns, the architecture and few walls are preserved just so much so that one can fill in the missing pieces of puzzle to imagine what it would’ve looked like. The architecture looks very European which adds all the more charm to the setting.

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Top 10 Weirdest Things Dipped in Gold

Hide your wife and hide your kids because the gold bug has bitten—and it’s a worldwide pandemic. People in the preliminary stage are known to ice their necks, wrists, and teeth with the shimmery metal. An insatiable hunger for all things made of gold marks a person in the most advanced stage of the bug. If you or a loved one is infected, feed your appetite by checking out the top ten weirdest things made of gold…

10. Gold Backpack

Gold Backpack
Are you a trendsetter? Do boring Jansport backpacks cramp your style? Well fear not fashion fiends! This Billionaire Boys Club backpack is sure to put more pep in your step. If its golden rays don’t make everyone turn their heads in awe, make sure to keep the price tag on. At an estimated price of $1650 (roughly the same cost to buy gold bullion), you are guaranteed to get a “DAAAAMN” everywhere you go.
Source: Diva Artist
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Top 10 People with Only One Known Photograph

We love to look at pictures because it gives us a chance to remember a specific moment in time.  For this reason, family portraits are among the most cherished items in most households.  In the 1830s, the first commercially successful photographic process, the daguerreotype, was invented.  Daguerreotype photography spread rapidly across the United States in the early 1840s.  People loved the process because they were able to obtain an exact likeness of themselves and their family members for the first time, making portrait photographs extremely popular.

The first use of photographic film was pioneered by George Eastman.  Eastman’s first camera was named the “Kodak” and was offered for sale in 1888.  The time period between the first photo and the first commercially sold camera (1838-1888) has become known for a large collection of rare pictures.  Many famous outlaws from the American Old West and influential personalities from the middle of the 19th century have only a few known photographs.
In some rare instances, famous historical figures are known to have only one existing photograph.  This article will examine ten famous people with only one remaining picture.  Some notable figures that were not included are Mary Seacole, Bahadur Shah II, David Owen Dodd, Ike Clanton, Moondyne Joe, Regina Jonas, Etta Place, and Louis Keseberg.

10. Karl Denke

karldenke
In 1870, Karl Denke was born in Münsterberg, Silesia in the Kingdom of Prussia (now Zi?bice in Poland).  There is not a great deal of information about Denke’s life as a child, but as an adult he was well-liked in the community.  Between the years of 1918 to 1924, Denke operated a rooming house in his hometown.  His tenants affectionately called him “Papa.”  He also played the organ for the local German church.  It has since been realized that Denke led a much more sinister lifestyle.  He was a mass murderer that cannibalized the remains of over 30 people.
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Sunday, February 26, 2012

Taman Negara: Oldest Rainforest on the Planet

In the middle of the Malaysian peninsula lies a rainforest so old it makes the entire Amazon jungle seem like new growth. Taman Negara, literally ‘national park’ in Malay, has lain virtually undisturbed for 130 million years. Located as it is in the centre of the equator, even ice ages left barely a dent in this ancient jungle.
taman negara01 Taman Negara: Oldest Rainforest on the Planet
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The Kung Fu Birds

Kung Fu- the ancient Chinese martial art has been around for centuries. It has been practiced for so long that the birds on the branches are beginning to get the hang of it. It makes one wonder whether the birds were the ones that had invented this mystical way of self-defense or the humans? Looking at these birds fight for their territory shows us that humans are not much different. This mystery will probably be left unsolved but it is your task to decide whether it is true or false.
The Kung Fu Birds
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7 Products Discovered By Accident

Most things in life are not good when you plan them. The best things cannot be planned, they happen without you doing much about them. It is the same case with these awesome products. They just happened.

1. Popsicles

7 Products Discovered By Accident
The first Popsicle was invented by accident in 1905 when 11-year -old Frank Epperson left his soda making tools in the cold. When he came back next day he saw that the soda around the stick was frozen, creating the first Popsicle. When he grew up he applied his patent.
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Saturday, February 25, 2012

15 Absolutely Brilliant Architectural Photographs

Cuba Gallery, France
Photo credit: Andrew
Professional photographers combine creativity, artistic vision and technical mastery to take photographs. People in this profession use a wide range of equipment, some of which is specific to certain career fields. Good photographers have a natural eye for composition and can often create an aesthetically appealing photograph out of anything. Here are 15 absolutely incredible architecture photography examples to make your day fresh. 14 more images after the break...
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the myanmar war on opium 46 Photo Total

These are images of the poppy eradication efforts in Myanmar’s impoverished Shan State. In Myanmar’s new war on drugs, meet the weapon of mass destruction: the weed-whacker. The saying Opium For The People has never been truer.

The MyanMar War On Opium
An ethnic Pa-O woman smiles after meeting UNODC and Myanmar's police representatives in the village of War Taw, in the mountains of Shan State January 27, 2012. Myanmar has dramatically escalated its poppy eradication efforts since September 2011, threatening the livelihoods of impoverished farmers who depend upon opium as a cash crop to buy food. With new ceasefires ending years of conflict between the government and ethnic insurgents, Myanmar police and United Nations officials are travelling through opium-rich Shan State to ask farmers what assistance they need. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj
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rio de janeiro carnival 2012

It’s samba time again people. The world over carnival is being celebrated in hundreds of different types of parties and traditions and the most famous celebration is probably the one in Rio De Janaiero. It’s loud and very colorful and I’d love to go one day.

Warning: some images show copious amounts of South American flesh.

Carnival In Rio De Janeiro 2012
A reveller prepares for the start of the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro's Sambadrome. NACHO DOCE/REUTERS
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Amazing Photos Of Chicks During Feeding

They are cute, they are funny, and they are just like human kids. These pictures show us the first week of life the chicks warbler, as well as their relationships with their parents. And you will see how these birds remind our children. All day they sit and chirp, waiting for the fly mom who does nothing that is worn around the neighborhood, collecting food for their kids.
Amazing Photos1 Amazing Photos Of Chicks During Feeding
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Funny And Cute Pandas

They are cute, they are funny but they aren’t a lot today on Earth. So, let’s take the most of them while they are still here. The panda is a conservation reliant endangered species. A 2007 report shows 239 pandas living in captivity inside China and another 27 outside the country. Wild population estimates vary; one estimate shows that there are about 1,590 individuals living in the wild, while a 2006 study via DNA analysis estimated that this figure could be as high as 2,000 to 3,000. Some reports also show that the number of pandas in the wild is on the rise. However, the jucn does not believe there is enough certainty yet to reclassify the species from Endangered to Vulnerable.
Cute Pandas2 Funny And Cute Pandas
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Can You Build This?

This is… well, literally amazing. And awesome! I don’t believe that all these stacks of coins were done without any glue. Authors say that only the weight of the coins provides the support. That’s what I call a patience! You know, I’m still trying to build a simple bridge from picture, and failing every time :) Enjoy the gallery! And.. don’t try this at home – you’ll just get annoyed!
Can You Build This?
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Friday, February 24, 2012

One billion slum dwellers


One billion people worldwide live in slums, a number that will likely double by 2030. The characteristics of slum life vary greatly between geographic regions, but they are generally inhabited by the very poor or socially disadvantaged. Slum buildings can be simple shacks or permanent and well-maintained structures but lack clean water, electricity, sanitation and other basic services. In this post, I've included images from several slums including Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya, the second largest slum in Africa (and the third largest in the world); New Building slum in central Malabo, Equatorial Guinea; Pinheirinho slum - where residents recently resisted police efforts to forcibly evict them; and slum dwellers from Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi, India. India has about 93 million slum dwellers and as much as 50% of New Delhi's population is thought to live in slums, 60% of Mumbai. -- Paula Nelson (55 photos total)

Cambodian lawmaker Mu Sochuo, from the opposition Sam Rainsy party, pleads with riot policemen to stop a forced eviction of villagers at a slum village in the centre of Phnom Penh, Jan. 4, 2012. Cambodian lawmakers from the opposition Sam Rainsy party visited the village after authorities forcefully evicted villagers from the Borei Keila community in the capital. (Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP/Getty Images)
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Top 5 Martyr Deaths

1. Perpetua and Felicity

Perpetua and Felicity are Christian martyrs of the 3rd century. Perpetua (born in 181) was a 22-year old married noble, and a nursing mother. Her co-martyr Felicity, an expectant mother, was her slave. In the year 203 Perpetua and Felicity were arrested for their faith and executed.
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beautiful images in the picture samuel hanuscin 25 Photo Total

My name is Samuel Hanuscin and I am 18 years old. I always enjoyed photography, so one year ago I started taking it seriously. I photographed anything, but these photos have captured my heart. I was there, amongst them, but I didn’t understand. They live between cities, they not live in a solitude. I was surprised when I saw how people live in a 21st century a few meters from the town. No electricity, no water and circa 20 people in one room.


In The Picture: Samuel Hanuscin
Photo by Samuel Hanuscin
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coolest sports pix of 2012 week 07

Week 07 of 2012 is the week I learnt about LINsanity, so we included several pix of New York Knicks pointguard in this week’s collection of coolests sports pix.


Coolest Sports Pix Of 2012 Week 07
Dallas Mavericks guard Delonte West (13) goes up for the shot as he is defended by Los Angeles Clippers forward Reggie Evans (L) and guard Randy Foye during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Dallas, Texas February 13, 2012. REUTERS/Mike Stone
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On tour around Bangladesh

This gallery comprises of images from various parts in Bangladesh where the International Mother Language Day is observed in commemoration of the movement where a number of students died in 1952, defending the recognition of Bangla as a state language of the former East Pakistan, now Bangladesh; along with protests and much more.

A Bangladeshi decorates the Shaheed Minar, or martyrs mausoleum, on International Mother Language Day in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012. International Mother Language Day is observed in commemoration of the movement where a number of students died in 1952, defending the recognition of Bangla as a state language of the former East Pakistan, now Bangladesh.
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Myanmar today

Ever since the repressive military regime was disbanded in 2011, the people of Myanmar are looking up to promising changes ahead.
Despite being a resource-rich country, the nation has the world’s worst legal system for doing business, retaining a position it has held for the last five years despite recent reforms. But the reforms have caught the attention of foreign investors, eager to do business in the nation strategically placed between China and India.
With regards to the perpetual civil war Myanmar has struggled with, the new government has outlined a three-stage plan with all 16 of the country’s ethnic rebel groups, promising of village development projects like housing, roads, water electricity and resettlement of refugees and internally displaced people, in the hopes of permanent peace.

This photo shows a couple walking back to home at the end of the day in downtown Yangon.
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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Top 10 Recycled Dresses

01. Money Dress
Photo — Link


Top 10 Recycled Dresses, 09 more images after the break...
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Boys – Warriors

These boys do not play war, they were real soldiers with real guns. Mohamed Adan Udas is 12 years old, and Ahmed Hasan 15. They are part of the Somalian army and fighting in Mogadishu. Somalia army recruit boys who were older than 9 years. And instead of, like their peers around the world, have a carefree childhood, these boys grow up with Kalashnikov. Skinny, malnourished, living in ruins, and grow up too soon. Is there any hope that these children will one day live normal life, unfortunately, does not depend on them.
boys warriors01
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Brutality as a Ceremonial Act

Dolphin is my favorite animal. Free, sociable and incredibly intelligent. However, there are civilizations that appear to think that dolphins are too much, and use them in their ritual purposes. Is the red sea of dolphins blood reality or a dream? Real photo or photo-montage? It would be good if only this could photo-montage…

brutality as a ceremonial act01 

Each year the sea around Faroe Islands (constituent country of the Kingdom of Denmark, along with Denmark proper and Greenland), is stained red, not because of the effects of the climate or through a Biblical plague but because of the cruelty of supposedly human beings. Hundreds of the famous Calderon dolphins are slaughtered by young teens in a celebration to demonstrate their maturity and passage into adulthood. In this celebration those who not actively participating in the slaughter are watching. They don’t die instantly; they are cut 1, 2 or 3 times with thick hooks. With each cut the dolphins produce a grim cry like that of a new born child.
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Funny Side of Politics

Politicians are endless inspiration for a lot of things – fighting, competing, chalenge, controversy, but above all laugh! Just to make sure you don`t get us wrong, I`ll say it again: we it for the lolz :D. Enjoy!
Funny Side of Politics
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Bantimurung waterfalls : The popular destination in South Sulawesi

Sulawesi island would be a paradise tourist destinations in Indonesia. There are so many beautiful and impressive attractions that we can visit on the island of Sulawesi. One of the most famous tourist attraction in southern Sulawesi province is Bantimurung waterfalls. Why Bantimurung tourist attraction is so popular ? If you've seen and heard information about Niagara Falls that was so well known in New york United States, thus Bantimurung Waterfalls, had little in common with Niagara Falls. But Bantimurung waterfalls just only have a width of 20 meters with a height of about 15 meters, with a discharge volume of water that quite a lot.


Bantimurung Waterfalls is located in Maros regency, Bantimurung District. With an area of ± 118 ha, Bantimurung consists of limestone rock which forms by steep hills on either side of the river Bantimurung. Bantimurung Waterfalls has water passage in form by wide rocky, bumpy, smooth and beautiful. Unlike most other waterfalls that create a trench in the water at crash site, then Bantimurung Waterfalls which 15 meters height does not create trench.

Other than because essentially form by hard rock area, as well as the contours of a sloping rock waterfall serves as a propagation, thereby reducing the power of hit Bantimurung Waterfalls. Under the waterfall flowthere was a bathing place of ground limestone and covered with a layer of hard minerals from the water flow for hundreds of years.


The depth of water inside natural pool of Bantimurung waterfalls is between the ankles to the waist. Bantimurung Waterfalls is a very popular with visitors to feel the crystal clear waterfall massage from. It is certainly spoil every tourist who comes to immediately soak enjoy the beautiful panorama around the waterfall. Besides having a waterfall, this tourist area is also habitat for many species of rare butterflies, so this place is dubbed as the "Kingdom of Butterfly".

Stone Caves and Cave of Dreams are also being the major attractions for visitors to Bantimurung. Because in there, we can explore those caves get a very unusual experience, inside cave we can see various kinds of stone reliefs formed by dripping water hanging on the ceiling of the cave that looks beautiful with crystal collection.


For the adventure-minded tourists, you can enjoy rafting sports inside this tourist area. the route taken is from the bottom of the waterfall to a suspension bridge which is located within Bantimurung, with notes ; the manager will provide rafting when the water conditions were great able to bring inflatable boats for rafting.

How to get there

1. From the center of Makassar, the location can be achieved using a motor, car or bicycle. ± distance takes 1-1 1/2 hours. If the rent of public transport, the cost of about Rp. 10,000-Rp. 15,000 / person.
2. If you come from Sultan Hasanuddin airport, tourist locations can be reached about 30-45 minutes by bike, car or public transport. Transportation costs incurred when using public transport, around Rp. 6,000 - Rp. 7500 / person
3. If you're in Center City Maros, tourist sites can be reached about 15-30 minutes by car or motorcycle (40 km / h).


Travel Tips

1. The best time to visit here is during the morning so as not to hot. Always wear sunblock with a hat are also prepared.
2. Admission price of Bantimurung National Parks: Rp 10,000
3. Beverage prices an average of 1.5 times more expensive than the normal price.

Awesome SeaWorld

SeaWorld is a United States chain of marine mammal parks, oceanariums, and animal theme parks owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. The parks feature captive orca, sea lion, and dolphin shows and zoological displays featuring various other marine animals. These parks are in Orlando, Florida, San Diego, California, San Antonio, Texas, and previously Aurora, Ohio. SeaWorld Orlando opened in 1973. and it is so special because there’s seven killer whales who lives at SeaWorld Orlando: Katina, Tilikum, Kayla, Trua, Nalani,Makaio and Malia. The park contains three roller coasters and original Journey to Atlantis water coaster. Anyone who loves animals from under the sea must come to  see this!
Awesome SeaWorld
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Weird, Cool and Unusual Mailboxes

Since the beginning of time, people have been inventing all kinds of things… Some more weird than others… Bored with their old, square, solid mailboxes, some people thought to make new and personalized ones, that could represent a small aspect of their life. Their creations have proven to be the funniest mailboxes ever. Enjoy this, and maybe You get some idea for your mailbox!
Weird, Cool and Unusual Mailboxes
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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Raja Ampat : Indonesia's island best for diving

Raja Ampat is the Islands District and have the best coral reef areas in Indonesia. According to research, approximately 500 types of coral reefs and more than 540 species of hard corals (75% from total species in the world), stored more than 1000 species of reef fish, 700 species of molluscs, as well as the highest record for gonodactyloid stomatopod crustaceans. New seven species of coral reef was founded, spread from another hundreds of coral reefs  and  never been found in other areas. The waters of Raja Ampat Islands is one of the 10 best diving site around the world.


The archipelago of Raja Ampat consists of four small islands, namely Waigeo , Batanta, Salawati and Misool. The Raja Ampat region have been preserved for thousands years ago and preserved so many variety of marine life. The beaches also had pristine waters that you can't find in other area. Raja Ampat is very famous among divers and be one of the best triangle coral reefs around the world, so this is not surprisingly, if this region is rich with coral reefs and species of fish were so unique and rare. Raja Ampat is like an unpolished gem, and once you come to this place, forever , you will never forget its beauty.

How to get there ?


Transportation modes to Raja Ampat currently is not much as another tourist objects in Indonesia. Unlike the island of Bali which provides flights with dozen times to various major cities in Indonesia and abroad, or the famous city of Manado Bunaken Marine Park which provides more than ten flights connecting Manado and Jakarta. The most popular route to Raja Ampat is through the town of Sorong, one of the largest cities in the West Papua provinces. You can begin your journey from Jakarta to Sorong using aircraft for approximately seven hours of travel after some transit in Makassar.

Trip to Sorong can be reached from several major cities in Indonesia and some other cities in southeast Asia such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Davao in Philippines. Several airlines providing flights between Jakarta and Sorong, but they require to transite through Makassar or Manado. The airlines include Lion Air, Merpati Nusantara Airlines, and Garuda Indonesia. Ticket prices ranged from Rp 1.200.000 valid until Rp 3.500.000 depending on class selection and availability of tickets. Meanwhile, foreign airlines serving flights to Sorong, which is also do some transit in Manado, among others, Silk Air and Cebu Pacific Air with ticket prices ranging from  $ 450 in numbers.

From Sorong city you have to continue your trip towards to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat. This trip can be done by using a fast boat that can be rented at the rates of about Rp 2.000.000 per vessel per trip. In one trip, the vessel may contain more than ten people. Travel time takes about one and a half hours to reach Waisai. From Waisai, tourists can choose to stay on the island or hire small boats to get to the other islands..

What to see ?


In this place , there are so much activities to fully your days with an exotic panoramas and sea views , such as  :
-Spectacular diving and snorkling
-Sensational kayaking in the shallow bays, especially in the mangrove forests
-Slow afternoon cruise with one of the tenders - get up-close-and-personal with the stunning land scenery
-Bird spotting - find the illusive Bird of Paradise from the water.
-Fishing - unexplored fly-fishing for bonefish or deep water trolling for marlin and sailfish .
-Dive in Wreck diving in the area is superb as well. The wrecks here haven't been plundered as in Truk Lagoon, PNG, the Solomons, Vanuatu and other well-known wreck diving areas. Most of these WWII wrecks were not seen by humans again until the day and therefore completely intact. Over 50 years of marine life growing on and around them has turned them in beautiful gardens. By special arrangement, Papua Diving can schedule to dive wrecks in the Manokwari area (on the east side of the bird's head). Although there are plenty of wrecks all around the area, the wrecks in Manokwari are in shallow, clear water with plenty of coral growth and sea life surrounding them. For further information about diving site , please visit this link .

Where to stay ?

1. Misool eco resort
this is the naturalist resort with modern facility , built from reclaimed tropical hardwood. Misool Eco Resort offers two levels of accommodation. Eight Water of Cottages are located in the North Lagoon, built on stilts over the water. They're just steps from the Dive Centre and restaurant. Stairs lead from your private veranda down into the placid lagoon, and the House Reef is about 100 fin-kicks away. aAnd also have one deluxe villa, Villa Tabisasu, located on the eastern edge of the North Lagoon.
info : www.misoolecoresort.com

2.Kri eco resort and Sorido bay resort
The western style look resort (sorido),  Western style comforts in a traditional Papuan setting. Located on a beautiful deep lagoon and white sand beach on Kri Island, the dive resort is central to the most spectacular dive sites in the Raja Ampat.
  Kri Eco Resort is an Indonesian style resort and currently has 6 over-water guest bungalows. Most of the buildings contain two rooms and at least one sitting area.
info : www.papua-diving.com

3. Raja Ampat Dive Lodge
Raja Ampat Dive Lodge is located at the heart of the most spectacular diving in northern Raja Ampat. Mere minutes from the famous Manta aggregation sites and the fish-filled dives at the western edge of the Dampier Strait, our intimate lodge is the prefect place to experience the most bio-diverse reefs in the world
info : www.rajaampat-liveaboard.com


Tips

Accommodation.
Currently in Saonek Monde being built three resorts on the island of Batbitiem Nyandebabo, Waiwo, and South Waigeo. During unfinished, you can stay at several places below.
First is Sorido Bay Resort is famous for its coral reefs. Then there is the Kri Eco Resort, a traditional resort built on the water. Another option is to camp on the island or a house boat that provided a lot of travel agents.Although Raja Ampat is not very crowded, but  there are already hotels and rented houses in Saonek, Mansuar, and islands Yenwaupnor.

Transportation.
If you are flying from Jakarta it will take 7 hour flight to Sorong and stopped in Manado. You can also dive in Bali tour and fly from there. Sorong like any other big city. You can get almost everything here. Although, the price is more expensive because its a remote location. Only the tourists who buy package from  travel agencies are ussually the most audience in Raja Ampat maritime tourism. You do not need advanced diving dive tour to follow this, because the travel agent providing tours for non professional divers or trained divers. There are 8 airlines open up the flight schedule. Several national and foreign airlines provided flights from Jakarta or Bali to Sorong connected with aviation in Makassar or Manado.

Getting around.
Usually, many divers would join the tours and stay at the resort for divers while visiting Raja Ampat Islands. To access the dive sites,  you can contact the travel agency that can be found in Sorong. Some travel agents also offer options such as boat tour around Raja Ampat, or diving in Raja Ampat. From Sorong, there are two types of boats, long boat and  speed boat. Using a speed boat can carry 15 passengers with travel time 1 hour 40 minutes, cost price of 2 million rupiah. While the long boat carrying 10 passengers and takes about 2-3 hours, the cost price of 1.2 million rupiah. Please be aware that prices may change at any time. You can rent a small boat if you want to explore this island more freely. The islands at Raja Ampat has 4 major islands, is mountainous and hundreds of small islands around it which you can explore.In addition, this region also had a lot of coral, which is a beautiful natural phenomenon. There are a variety of unique fauna as bald paradise, paradise red, maleo Waigeo, rat-rat. For this type of flora then you can see orchids, palms, and many others. Try to do activities of trekking around the island to discover the hidden beauty such as waterfalls and ancient caves.

Culinary.
Food provided by the diving operators, ranging from international to traditional food menu is made directly by the local community. Usually available a variety of seafood. Try you taste the fish soup which is a typical food of yellow island.

Shopping.
Many divers say that the best souvenirs from the Raja Ampat is the story of your experience when visiting the Raja Ampat. Surely this is a good places catch a lot of photograph to shows. However, you can buy statue of Asmat tribe as souvenirs , the traditional cloth, flute, or traditional drum. The goods are usually sold in souvenir shops in various cities in Papua. This trick will lighten your burden for too much stuff of souvenirs from Raja Ampat. You can also buy handicrafts woven in Arborek if you have more leisure when visited the village in Raja Ampat.

Best time.
October or November is a good time to visit Raja Ampat because the sea would be so calm and perfect to get some videos or photograph. Every year, Raja Ampat is typically held maritime festival, held between the months of May or October.

Equipment.
Bring your underwater camera. Use your skills for underwater photography , meanwhile for taking underwater pictures is not easy, but also a regret if it passed. Also bring sun block anyway, sunscreen, hats, and shirts which are comfortable for beach weather. Should also prepare insect repellent and anti malarial drugs.


See the beauty of  Indonesia .....

Grojogan sewu : Travel to Tawangmangu waterfall

For people of Indonesia, especially people who live in the province of Central Java, Tawangmangu name is not foreign anymore on their ear. An area that is very popular because of the waterfall. Tawangmangu located on Lawu mountainside , Central Java. Has a height of 1300 meters above sea level. This region is the mountainous region which is pretty cool and cold temperate. Has a distance of about 40 km from the city of Solo, can be reached by land vehicles for one hour from the city of Surakarta (Solo). This place has become a sightseeing spot since Dutch colonial times. Object of the main tourist destinations in Tawangmangu is Grojogan Sewu waterfall (height 81 m).


Tawangmangu located in the surrounded area by lush mountain forests and hills. However, this small town has been known up to the foreigner from other countries as tourist region iwhichis suitable to be used as a vacationing option. Tawangmangu morning atmosphere is very beautiful and exotic. Typical of cold air from the mountains and the mist that enveloped the mountain peaks provide an aura of its own beauty. Take a stroll while enjoying the beautiful rice fields, see the activities of residents in the morning, or explore the markets are very effective to relieve tired of the daily grind. Tawangmangu also popular with the production of vegetables and fresh fruits. The fields were planted with cabbage, carrots, radishes, strawberries, and various other crops extends everywhere.


To enter this Grojogan sewu tourist area, you will be charged Rp8000, - per person (prices may change at any time). Ticket prices are cheap enough to enjoy the incredible natural scenery here. Distance from the entrance to the waterfall where the purchase of tickets were still quite far away. On the right and left side, there are growth lush vegetation such as pine, Kaliandra, resins, and many other plants. As for the fauna, the forest is a place to live for the long-tailed monkeys, squirrels, and various species of birds. While on the move, the monkeys will not hesitate to greet visitors, especially with food. To Reach the location of the waterfall, visitors must descended the stairs within 500 meters.


The number of steps that you need to pass more or less totaled 200 steps. Be careful if you come after the rainfall, because the steps to the waterfall is quite slippery. Once you reach the last stairs, you will pass through the rocky path, in the middle - between waterfall and stairs, there stood a bridge. This bridge is the best spot to see the beautiful of waterfall Grojogan sewu . In addition to seeing the waterfalls, the Park Grojogan Sewu there is also a swimming pool, some outbound games such as flying fox, mini rafting and others.

How to get there
Visitors can use a private vehicle or public transportation (bus) to the location of these attractions. The distance between Solo - Tawangmangu approximately 42 km uphill and the road conditions are not too wide, while the distance between Yogya - Solo approximately 65km, where the condition of the road is wide with a more dense traffic.

If you want to use public transport, visitors can ride by bus from Terminal Tirtonadi Solo - Tawangmangu. The route followed by Solo-Karanganyar-Karangpandan-Tawangmangu. The journey from Solo to the site can be taken for about a half hour. Arriving at the terminal Tawangmangu, visitors who use the public bus have to walk along approximately one kilometer to reach the location of attractions. Or you can also take public transportation called L300.

Travel tips
1. Prepare a map of Solo and the surrounding areas to avoid getting lost. You can utilize google map or google earth.
2. Be careful of the monkeys at the entrance, these monkeys are very interested in food, although hidden in a bag.
3. To enjoy the atmosphere of peace and quiet, you should come when not in Indonesia national holiday , because when holiday, the number of visitors are very much.
4. prepare for an replacement outfit. the air around the waterfall can make your clothes getting wet.